India left the SEC Centre in Glasgow with seven Boxing golds as they topped the medal table in the sport for the first time. Previously, the most boxing golds won by a nation at a single Games was six.
Early India success came in the Women’s 57kg as world champion Jaismine Jaismine defeated defending champion, Northern Ireland’s Michaela Walsh, in a bout worthy of top billing.
Fine margins can separate boxers in the judges’ scoring and that was the case between two of the world’s best. The first round went to Jaismine (pictured right, with Walsh) on a 3-2 split, the second to the Indian outright. Being able to keep Walsh at bay in the third round secured Jaismine the title, four years after she took bronze in Birmingham.
“In the ring we have to fight for our country, but outside the ring we are friends,” said the Indian fighter.
“I feel very good. I won this medal for my country and this is my first Commonwealth Games gold medal.”
Walsh, whose silver meant she became the first boxer with four Commonwealth medals, was full of praise for her opponent.
“She’s the current world champion in my weight, and I said it after (to her): ‘I’m actually a fan of your style, it’s just a pity we’re both the same weight’.
“Because I love watching her. She’s a fantastic boxer. To box someone of that calibre is amazing and to have for the final probably the two best boxers at the weight, was amazing.”
Sakshi Sakshi started the evening session for India with victory over England’s Ruby White in the Women’s 51kg final.
Preeti Preeti added Commonwealth gold to her Asian title with victory over Scarlett Delgado (CAN) in the Women’s 54kg final.
India’s other gold medallists were Priya Priya (Women’s 60kg), Arundhati Choudhary (Women’s 70kg), Sachin Sachin (Men’s 60kg) and Ankush Ankush (Men’s 80kg).
‘The best feeling ever’
A tearful Jye Dixon stood atop the podium as the Australia national anthem played in Hall 5 of the SEC Centre.”I just couldn’t hold it back,” Dixon said of his emotions after defeating Jadumani Singh Mandengbam of India in the Men’s 55kg final. “I couldn’t believe it,” Dixon said. “To get the gold medal, it’s the best feeling ever.
“I have a lot of self doubt, I was not really believing in myself, but with Coach Lacey and Coach Robbo and all the people at home, they just keep telling me I’ve got the skills and I’ve got to believe it. I try to get over my own mind and I got it done.”
Later, his team-mate Emma-Sue Greentree made claimed a split-decision win against 2023 world champion Lovlina Borgohain (IND) to take gold in the Women’s 75kg category.
England claimed four golds, while Jon McConnell (NIR) held off the challenge from Wales’ Orlando Holley-Sotomi to win the Men’s 70kg title by a 4-1 split decision.
The man from Belfast turned down the opportunity to appear on the reality television show Love Island after he was selected for the Glasgow 2026.
“Yeah, it paid off,” McConnell said.